Fairy Rock

Gazing upon Fairy Rock, one might initially feel a sense of anticlimax. It’s smaller than some might expect, perhaps only 6 to 10 feet tall. Yet, this unassuming boulder, officially known as Bates Boulder, nestled near the Bates Elementary School just three blocks north of Route 9, west of Boston, holds a peculiar charm. Fairy Rock is rumored to be the largest boulder in the area, a claim that adds to its mystique. Despite its modest stature, Fairy Rock boasts a surprising number of climbing routes. Slab Stick, a V0, offers a gentle introduction for beginners. More experienced climbers can test their skills on Fairy Rings, a V2, or Tutti Fruitti, a V3. The rock’s various faces, from south to north and even east, provide diverse challenges. Fairy Rock’s documented routes, with names like Fairyation and Fairies, Only, hint at a whimsical history. Finding Fairy Rock can be an adventure itself. From Route 9, take Weston Road, then turn right onto Elmwood Road. Look for a church and a small creek, then a gravel turnoff for a town park. Park there and follow the most prominent path into the woods. Resist the lure of smaller creekside paths, and soon, Fairy Rock will appear on your left, tucked just inside the tree line. While some consider the search for Fairy Rock a bit of a wild goose chase, others find the journey and the rock’s unique character rewarding. It stands as a testament to the idea that adventure can be found even in the most unexpected places.